Mexico Reopens Markets to Canadian Poultry Meat

CANADA - Mexico has reopened its border to Canadian fresh poultry meat, according to an announcement on Friday by Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland.

The deal includes chicken, turkey and, most significant in terms of historical trade, duck meat. Mexico closed its borders in 2004 following an outbreak of avian influenza.

Canadian industry estimates that restored access to the Mexican market for fresh duck meat and other high-quality, fresh poultry meat will be worth approximately $3 million annually.

While Mexico still maintains limited avian influenza restrictions, the Government of Canada is working with Mexican authorities to remove these as quickly as possible.

This new market access comes on the heels of the February visit of Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture, José Calzada, where he and Minister MacAulay met to further strengthen the two countries’ longstanding partnership in agricultural trade.

Mr MacAulay commented: "The Government of Canada is pleased that the Mexican market has reopened for additional Canadian poultry products. We continue to work closely with industry to expand international markets for high-quality Canadian products. I look forward to our continued trade relationship in agriculture and food."

Ms Freeland said: "Mexico is a hugely important market for Canadian exporters. This improved access for Canadian poultry reflects our government’s strong support for Canadians working in this sector. I look forward to building on this success and our trade relations with our NAFTA partner Mexico."

Benoit Cuchet, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Quebec Duck and Geese Breeders Association, added: "The Quebec Duck and Geese Breeders Association welcomes the recent agreement between the Governments of Canada and Mexico, which will soon enable Quebec producers to resume exports to Mexico after a 10-year embargo.

"This agreement will help to progressively regain the position lost in this rapidly growing market, with a potential for annual sales of more than $3 million."

Bilateral trade between Canada and Mexico in agriculture and food products was worth approximately $3.8 billion in 2015.